Based on the statistics, odds are pretty good everyone reading this knows someone who has suffered from breast cancer.

Breast cancer doesn't discriminate, it happens to women -- and men -- of all backgrounds. Locally, we have seen the disease take the life of dedicated civic leaders like Jacque Caplan, sports icons like Janice Joseph Richard, and countless other women who may have been less well known in the community, but their loss was just as devastating to their family.

Every October, our community and our country come together to raise awareness about breast cancer and work to raise funds for research into new life-saving treatments and ultimately a cure. You'll see pink items everywhere, from store displays to community centers, from high school athletes to NFL players.

A major local event happens this Saturday when the 8th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure takes place downtown. Race day registration and the Event Expo will open at 6:30 a.m., and will include a Survivor Celebration, live entertainment, Team Tailgate, Kids Korner, and other activities.

The Races will kick off at 8:30 a.m., with the 5k Fun run/walk. A one-mile fun run/walk will follow after the start of the 5K. Post-Race, there will be an award ceremony.

Runners and walkers, alike, can sign up to participate in the Race for the Cure® by joining an existing team, forming a new team, or through an individual registration. You can get all the details from the group's Facebook page.

Registrants are encouraged to fundraise and donate in addition to their race registration. Participants who are unable to physically attend the Race are encouraged to fundraise and participate through Komen's Virtual Runner option.

Louisiana has the second highest death rate due to breast cancer in the United States, according to Komen. Early detection and treatment is a key to successful treatment of many forms of cancer. That is why increased awareness of risk factors and getting more women to do self-exams and get their annual mammograms is so important.

And progress is being made. Komen notes breast cancer mortality rates have dropped 38 percent in the U.S. between 1989 and 2014. Today there are more than 3 million breast cancer survivors across the country. There are many right here in Central Louisiana, and several of them will be on hand Saturday to celebrate their victory and help ensure others beat the deadly disease as well.

If you have never participated in a Komen walk, we encourage you to do so this year. You will be amazed at the inspirational stories of the women who have battled breast cancer and won. And you will be moved by the stories of the women who lost their battle. Representatives from both sides will be downtown Saturday to share their stories.

One group to look for this year will be members of the Buckeye High School football team. Normally this time of year these young men would be in the woods on the first Saturday of October -- that's why they play their annual "Squirrel Bowl" football game on Thursday night. But this year, the team won't be tracking squirrels, they will be walking in the Komen Race in honor of two women who died from breast cancer.

Those players, like all who have lost a loved one to breast cancer, know it's more than just wearing pink. They understand first-hand what is at stake. Please join them Saturday and help save lives right here in Central Louisiana.